The businessman - who invested in children's technology company Lost My Name which received the highest ever valuation in Dragons’ Den history - said: “I have enjoyed every minute of my time on Dragons’ Den and feel honoured to have had the opportunity to contribute to such an iconic and long-running TV show and to have been the first Dragon with Afro Caribbean heritage.

Fellow Dragon Kelly Hoppen - who also announced her departure last week - tweeted that "fab" Linney will be missed.

She wrote: "I think @pierslinney is fab and he will also be missed on @BBCDragonsDen he was a great asset to the show x."

The interior designer claimed that although she has had a "brilliant time" her schedule is now too hectic to allow her to continue as a Dragon.

She said: “It has been a privilege to be part of a programme which champions entrepreneurs. However, due to a packed schedule and international commitments, including a new venture designing film sets, I sadly cannot commit to the filming schedule. What’s left to say but I’m out?”